why does my dog throw up in the car

Bear, a beautiful, friendly labradoodle, isPhousebroken, getsPalong with other dogs, and is fun to take on walks: in short, she sPthe perfect companion. Bear hasPjust one [small] problem: motionPsickness. It happens on longer road trips in particular. For instance, on aPcar ride from Seattle to Vancouver, Washington, her little pooch stomach was less than happy, andPshe threw up. Everywhere. Why do dogs getPcar sick? Car sickness is a common problem for dogs, and most petPparents and Pwill face it at one time or another. Puppies are more likely to suffer from car sickness because their vestibular system, which helps maintain equilibrium,Pisn t yet fully developed. Other causes may include a history of trouble with travel, or possible traumatic experiences associated with travel. If your dog has a case of canine motion sickness, it s best to check with your vet to help determine the cause. Not all dogs will actually vomit in the car, though that does happen, as with Bear. CommonPsymptoms of motion sickness in dogs include: There are a lot of solutions for helping alleviate motionPsickness in dogs,Pand some are very simple. Among them: Aside from the best practices above, certain products may help alleviate your dog s motion sickness. These include: is by far the most effective, according to all research RidingPin aP : some dogs prefer this to a harness, especially smaller breeds Using anti-anxiety measures like a or GivingP : ok for most adult dogs, but double-check with your vet for P, a new motion sickness medication designed specifically for dogs and cats. By prescription only. , which hasPproven anti-nausea effects.

Some pet stores offer ginger capsules, and you can also try treats likePthese Puppies under 16 pounds can safely take 250-milligrams or less of ginger, while puppies over 16 pounds can usually handle up to 500 milligrams of ginger. In fact, eating mightPcreate a positive association with the car, and help dogs withPanxiety-related motion sickness. Car sickness happens for dogs as well as humans. When nothing else works, the best remedy of all is simply to take a break from the car. Have any tips and tricks for dealing with canine motion sickness? We d love to hear them! The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help. Traveling with your dog is always a joy в especially when you have your own ride. Itвs an opportunity to expose your canine companion to various experiences that can help socialize him. Yet what if your dog suddenly doesnвt feel right during or after the car ride в as in he just threw up all over the seat? Dog motion sickness is real and it can happen even during the shortest car rides. Preventing canine car sickness and even treating it can help make that trip to the dog park в or anywhere else в a lot more pleasant. As human children are more affected by motion sickness than adults, the same goes for younger dogs and puppies. The younger ones because the ear structure responsible for balance is not fully developed. Some dogs outgrow motion sickness, but others donвt. If your dog was sick during the first car ride, vomiting may only be associated with the travel, and may be the reason why your best friend may never outgrow getting ill inside the car.

Canine carsickness may also be triggered by stress в especially if the destination of the car ride is the vet. Most carsickness episodes in dogs are brought about by stress and not the motion itself. You dog may just very well associate traveling with vomiting or anxiety. The ultimate destination of the entire trip is usually what makes your dog worried and sick. A vet visit or a kennel stay can be common concerns your dog has. Mental, emotional, and even physical trauma may be related to the car ride. Here are some ways to keepyourdog from getting carsick: Transform your dogвs perception of the car and pet travel. Find a relaxing, peaceful place thatвs wide open, much like a park. Choose one thatвs about 10 minutes from your house. Bring someone who can calm your dog as you drive towards your destination. Once you reach the park, play with your dog в just make the park visit enjoyable. During the ride home, have the other person calm your dog again. When you arrive home, play with your dog as enthusiastically as you did at the park. After a few hours of rest, feed your dog treats. Doing this repeatedly will make your dog realize the car ride should not be a reason to get sick. Make sure your dog has an empty stomach before the ride. Most dogs donвt get carsick when their stomachs are empty. Itвs ideal not to give your furry companion any food, approximately 6-8 hours before the ride. Just see to it that your dog doesnвt ingest any solid food before the car ride. You can give your dog some water instead. This may or may not work for your dog.

Other dogs want something in their stomach to prevent motion sickness. Make frequent stops. Some dogs who can handle hours of car rides; others canвt. A good rule of thumb is stop the car after an hour or two, just to walk around and have some bathroom time. You can also give him some ice or water during the break. Get someone to distract your dog. Have your human traveling companions distract your dog through play, so bring your dogвs favorite toys with you. Drive by some scenery and make sure your dog sees it. Adjust their seats or use pet car seats, so they can look out the window while staying secure. Scenery prevents motion sickness. Turn off the AC and open the windows. Itвs good to let some fresh air into the car, and it helps prevent carsickness in your passengers. Make sure your dog wears protective eyewear because the sudden rush of air can damage his eyes. Try to change your vehicle. When you travel, opt for a larger car. Perhaps your dog wonвt feel as carsick is thereвs more room. If all else fails, ask your vet about motion sickness medication. Vets usually prescribe Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate), which is also used by people who have motion sickness. Talk to your vet about the right dosage for your pet. A pet calmer (all natural) can yield favorable results as well. A holistic preventive measure is spraying peppermint, ginger, or chamomile scents in the car. Try various measures on your dog to figure out what works best. Awareness is key. These are the Be prepared for that special drive with your dog. Make sure your furry companion is as comfortable as you are during travel.